suk1縮缩
Jyutpingsuk1
Yalesūk
Definition
To shrink or contract; to draw back or withdraw.
- to shrink; to reduce in volume
- to draw back; to withdraw; to recoil
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of physical shrinking, this verb is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone pulling back from a commitment or showing cowardice. It often appears in the phrase 縮沙, which describes someone who backs out of a plan at the last minute. The word carries a slightly negative connotation when used to describe human behavior.
Examples
This shirt shrank after washing, I can't wear it anymore.
Seeing such a big dog, he immediately shrank back to the side.
Related words
Common phrases
to shrink (in size or value)
to back out of a plan
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 收, which is more general for collecting or putting away items. Use 縮 when the focus is specifically on a reduction in size, length, or a physical withdrawal of a body part.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
